If you love fresh, zesty, and flavor-packed dishes, then you’re in for a treat! This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a vibrant and refreshing appetizer that brings together juicy shrimp, tangy citrus, fresh veggies, and a spicy tomato-based sauce. It’s the perfect dish for warm weather, game nights, or whenever you crave something light yet satisfying. Trust me—one bite, and you’ll feel like you’re sitting beachside in Mexico, sipping on a margarita!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor – The combination of citrus, fresh herbs, and a little heat creates the most irresistible shrimp cocktail.
- Light & Refreshing – Perfect for a hot day when you want something satisfying but not too heavy.
- Easy to Make – With just a little chopping and mixing, this dish comes together in no time.
- Great for Gatherings – Serve it in individual cups or a large bowl for sharing—either way, it’s always a hit!
If you love light and refreshing seafood dishes, you might also enjoy this Branzino Fillet Recipe—a delicate and flaky fish cooked to perfection with simple seasonings!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Mexican Shrimp Cocktail:
- Shrimp – The star of the dish! Use cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp for convenience.
- Tomato Juice or Clamato – Forms the base of the flavorful sauce. Clamato adds an extra umami kick!
- Lime Juice – Adds brightness and enhances the fresh flavors.
- Hot Sauce – A little spice to balance the tanginess. Feel free to adjust to your heat preference!
- Red Onion – Adds a bit of crunch and a sharp bite.
- Roma Tomatoes – Fresh and juicy, they bring sweetness and texture.
- Cucumber – A refreshing contrast to the richness of the shrimp.
- Cilantro – A must for that signature Mexican flair!
- Jalapeño or Serrano Pepper – Brings a nice kick! Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Avocado – Creamy and delicious, it adds a wonderful contrast to the acidity of the dish.
- Salt & Pepper – Enhances all the flavors.
- Tortilla Chips or Saltine Crackers – The perfect crunchy side for scooping up all the goodness!
Note: The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to Make Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
If using raw shrimp, cook them in salted boiling water for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Once cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces if needed.
Step 2: Make the Cocktail Sauce
In a large bowl, mix together the tomato juice (or Clamato), lime juice, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine the flavors.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro, then add them to the bowl with the sauce. Stir everything together.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the shrimp to the bowl and gently toss to coat them in the flavorful sauce. Let the mixture chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Before serving, gently fold in diced avocado. Serve the shrimp cocktail in individual cups or a large serving bowl with tortilla chips or saltine crackers on the side.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use High-Quality Shrimp – Fresh or frozen shrimp work great, but make sure they’re properly cleaned and deveined.
- Chill for Best Flavor – Let the cocktail sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. The longer it marinates, the better the flavors blend!
- Customize the Heat – Add extra jalapeño, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, or even a little horseradish for extra kick.
- Don’t Skip the Avocado – It adds a rich, creamy contrast to the bright and tangy flavors.
How to Serve
- With Tortilla Chips or Crackers – Perfect for scooping up the shrimp and sauce!
- In a Chilled Glass – Serve it in a tall glass for a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this dish since the fresh ingredients (especially avocado and tomato) don’t hold up well.
Reheating
No need to reheat! Just stir well before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water before using.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño and hot sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything (except the avocado) a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Add the avocado just before serving.
What’s the difference between Mexican Shrimp Cocktail and regular shrimp cocktail?
Unlike traditional shrimp cocktail, which is served with a thick cocktail sauce, the Mexican version is more like a zesty shrimp ceviche with a tomato-based sauce, fresh veggies, and a bit of spice.
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a light, refreshing, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a delicious seafood appetizer, this recipe will be a total crowd-pleaser. Enjoy! 🎉🍤
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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing, flavor-packed appetizer made with juicy shrimp, fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, spicy jalapeños, and a zesty tomato-based sauce. It’s the perfect combination of tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that make it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Serve it chilled with tortilla chips or crackers for an easy and delicious seafood treat!
Ingredients
- Shrimp – Cooked, peeled, and deveined for convenience.
- Tomato Juice or Clamato – Forms the base of the cocktail sauce.
- Lime Juice – Adds freshness and acidity.
- Hot Sauce – For a spicy kick (adjust to taste).
- Red Onion – Adds crunch and sharpness.
- Roma Tomatoes – Fresh and juicy for natural sweetness.
- Cucumber – Provides a refreshing crunch.
- Cilantro – For that classic Mexican flavor.
- Jalapeño or Serrano Pepper – Adds heat (adjust as desired).
- Avocado – Creamy and rich for a perfect contrast.
- Salt & Pepper – To enhance flavors.
- Tortilla Chips or Saltine Crackers – For serving.
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp – If using raw shrimp, boil them in salted water for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Transfer to an ice bath to cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Prepare the Sauce – In a large bowl, mix the tomato juice (or Clamato), lime juice, and hot sauce. Stir well.
- Add the Vegetables – Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro, then mix them into the sauce.
- Combine Everything – Add the cooked shrimp and gently toss to coat. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Add Avocado & Serve – Just before serving, gently fold in diced avocado. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.
Notes
- Let the cocktail chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño and hot sauce.
- If making ahead, add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: No-Cook (except for shrimp)
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail